Chapter 10: Random call at past midnight

The ride was quiet, aside from Emily's occasional mumbles. When they reached her apartment, Killian helped her out of the car and escorted her inside. He'd done this countless times before, so the routine felt almost natural. He settled her on the couch, leaving a glass of water on the table beside her.

"Get some sleep, Emi," he said softly, brushing a strand of hair out of her face. Her words were still fresh in his head, but Killian couldn't just distance himself. What if she meant different? What if she's drunk, that was why she said that.

Killian wanted to hope, as he realized the feeling that crept into his heart after hearing that confession. Fear. He knew he could never reciprocate those feelings…if they were true, and that to him, Emily was just like a sister.

And he feared that their relationship might change because of that. He fears he'll lose the only family he has.